Cycling holidays - which range from 6-10 nights - are either single centre, or follow self-guided hotel-to-hotel itineraries (detailed maps and meticulous route notes provided; luggage always transported for you) with every trip graded so that you know what level of activity to expect. At the end of each cycling day, you are guaranteed to be staying in somewhere very special too, with accommodation including fabulously restored castles, magnificent turn-of-the-century villas, gastronomic country houses and fortified farmhouses with pools, ancient palms and hidden courtyards.

For 2016, there are 7 BRAND NEW CYCLING HOLIDAYS - in France, Spain and Portugal - as well as lots of old favourites. Here's a quick look at what's NEW:

FRANCE

• PROVENCE: COTES DE VENTOUX CYCLING: A gentle (1-bike+) 6-night cycling trip taking in the world-famous Cotes-du-Rhone vineyards (Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Beaumes-de-Venise) so a perfect choice for foodies and wine buffs! Plenty of tasting opportunities too - and, with Headwater's complimentary wine pick-up service included, no worries about carrying heavy, breakable bottles on a bike either! Wonderful, family-run hotels with pools, great regional cuisine, option to choose electric bikes if you want to make it even easier! Departs every two days from 13 May '16 to 14 Oct '16; prices from £897 (tour only)/ £959 (self drive inc Eurotunnel)/ £1149 (inc return BA flights Heathrow-Marseilles, and onward rail).
• PROVENCE: LANDSCAPES OF THE LUBERON CYCLING: This 2-bike, "moderate" trip is hard to beat if you have 9 days to spare and want to experience Provence's incredibly varied and diverse landscapes: sprawling vineyards, ancient olives, pretty perched villages, charming mediaeval towns, curious caves, crumbling castle ruins …. We've chosen an eclectic mix of hotels too (pools 6 nights out of 8) including a C19 manor house and charming farmhouse with sauna, spa and hot tub! Departs every two days from 23 May '16 to 14 Oct '16 with prices from £1199 (tour only)/ £1228 (self drive inc Eurotunnel)/ £1427 (inc return BA flights Heathrow-Marseilles, and onward rail).
• HILLTOP VILLAGES OF PROVENCE CYCLING: Aimed at regular cyclists, or active couples looking for a challenge, this 2-bike+ route spends 6 nights exploring the landscapes and photogenic perched villages whose natural light and beauty served as inspiration to Van Gogh, Cezanne, Picasso and Dumas (not forgetting, of course, Peter Mayle!). Whilst we do provide more gentle alternatives for the toughest sections, those choosing to climb will experience the most incredible views before exhilarating downhill descents! Departs every two days from 23 May '16 to 14 Oct '16 with prices from £997 (tour only)/ £1028 (self drive inc Eurotunnel)/ £1229 (inc return BA flights Heathrow-Marseilles, and onward rail). NB We can provide electric bikes at a supplement and on request.

SPAIN

• CATALUNYA: Cycling around the River Ebro: This is a luxury 6-night holiday (staying mainly in **** hotels with pools) which has been designed to appeal in the main to bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Following a gentle (1-bike+) loop inland from coastal L'Ampolla, the route explores the magnificent Ebro Delta - a region of vast lagoons, freshwater reserves, wetlands, and rice paddies - and home to 160+ species of birds. Departs every two days from 21 April '16 to 24 Oct '16 with prices from £837 (tour only)/ £859 (self drive inc Eurotunnel)/ £1019 (inc return BA flights Heathrow-Barcelona, and onward rail)

• CATALUNYA: DISCOVERING THE EBRO VALLEY: Perfect for guests not wanting to move on every couple of days, this 7-night, totally flexible, single centre holiday allows you to do as much - or as little - cycling as you fancy. Staying at the charming boutique Hotel L'Algadir in the white coastal town of Poble Nou del Delta, highlights include: the magnificent Ebro Delta rich in birdlife, UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tarragona (Roman walls, forum, necropolis, sea-facing amphitheatre), wide sandy beaches, bustling fishermens' markets. Departs every two days from 21 April '16 to 24 Oct '16, prices from £799 (tour only)/ £819 (self drive inc Eurotunnel)/ £999 (inc return BA flights Heathrow-Barcelona, and onward rail)

• CATALUNYA: Undiscovered Southern Catalunya Cycling: Starting on the coast before following a circular loop inland, this 2-bike "moderate" route traces the footsteps of Picasso (he once lived and painted here) and is crammed with interest and variety: quintessential white villages, mediaeval hill towns, traditional fishing villages, the 2000-year-old Templar Tortosa whose beautiful cobbled streets are crammed with Roman and Spanish Civil War history. Departs every two days from 21 April '16 to 24 Oct '16, prices from £999 (tour only)/ £1068 (self drive inc Eurotunnel)/ £1229 (inc return BA flights Heathrow-Barcelona, and onward rail)

PORTUGAL

• PORTO COASTAL CYCLING: A showcase trip for beach lovers wanting to combine gentle cycling with luxury hotels, unspoilt sands, colourful marinas and protected wildlife - pink flamingo, purple heron, kingfisher and sandpiper! Plus, there's the added bonus of an almost perfectly flat cycle route too making it a great choice for novice or fair weather cyclists! Departs Sundays from 10 April '16 to 23 Oct '16, with prices from £1047 (tour only)/  £1248 (inc return TAP flights Gatwick-Porto, and onward rail). Option to upgrade to electric bikes on request and at a supplement.

NB Any journalist wishing to receive a printed brochure just needs to email me at catherine.press@headwater.com and I will send one first class.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

* Established in 1985, Headwater has 31 years' experience in hand-crafting walking and cycling holidays in Europe and beyond;

* Appeals in the main to well-heeled, well-travelled couples, aged 45yrs+, looking to enjoy gentle activity by day without compromising on creature comforts in the evening;

* Interest-packed itineraries focus on culture/ history, nature/ wildlife, gourmet cuisine and fine wines;

* Over 140 holidays on offer for 2016; mix of self-guided and small group trips;

For bookings and further information, please call Headwater 0845 322 4672 or email sales@headwater.com 

All press enquiries to Catherine Crone 0845 591 9342 ;  email Catherine.press@headwater.com

Images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/headwater

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Catherine Crone

PR & Communications Consultant

T 0845 591 9342

E catherine.press@headwater.com